According to a recent report on the Asia Times website in Hong Kong, several media outlets reported this month on the evolving plans of the US Navy's next-generation DDG (X) destroyer, emphasizing its advanced performance and challenges it faces. Although the US Navy is betting on the 'Futurist' concept of DDG (X), logistical and industrial obstacles are evident. The notable design changes of DDG (X) include the removal of the traditional Mk45 naval gun, which means integrating directed energy weapons such as lasers and microwaves with the new vertical launch system design. The DDG (X), designed to replace the old Arleigh Burke class destroyers, will integrate the most advanced weapons, radar, and powerful integrated power system to meet the demand for high-energy weapons in future wars. However, the high cost, technological uncertainty, and industrial limitations have posed insurmountable obstacles to the success of the project. The prominent features of DDG (X) include hypersonic and directed energy weapons, AN/SPY-6 radar, enhanced stealth capabilities, and larger payloads. This technological leap is crucial for countering evolving threats such as drones, hypersonic missiles, and advanced naval platforms. The comprehensive power system of the ship is expected to provide unparalleled power generation capacity, which is crucial for supporting its high-power system. However, such an increase in price is not cheap: DDG (X) estimates a single ship cost of $4.4 billion, far exceeding its predecessors. The construction work will begin in 2032, with a three-year overlap period with the ongoing construction of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer to maintain industrial continuity. Directed energy weapons are expected to provide unlimited ammunition, reduce combat costs, and launch instant strikes against various threats from drones to hypersonic weapons. But they require a considerable amount of space, electricity, and cooling performance. In addition, atmospheric interference and limited range pose challenges to the effectiveness of laser weapons. The outdated "Taikonderoga" class cruisers and depleted "Arleigh Burke" class destroyers of the US Navy cannot meet these needs, highlighting the importance of DDG (X) in the future surface fleet of the US Navy. The DDG (X) project is being hindered by systemic challenges in the US shipbuilding industry. After the Cold War, budget cuts significantly reduced the number of naval designers and engineers, creating bottlenecks in both design and production. More than 60% of the US Navy's ship repair work has not been completed on time, reflecting inadequate infrastructure and outdated practical operations, and the production capacity of US shipyards is also clearly insufficient. In addition, the fragmented approach of the United States and the prioritization of large warships over cost-effective small vessels have slowed down the modernization work of the Navy. (New Society)